The Fair Oaks Bluff and The Cliffhanger:
A Community-Driven Environmental Program
Article and Photos by Willie "Tatang" Vergara
 

If you think you’ve seen all the parks that the City of Sacramento and vicinity have to offer, ask yourself if you have gone to The Fair Oaks Bluff. There are nine of us UP Beta Sigmans residing in Sacramento and outlying cities, but before I went there with my officemate and photo buddy James Wright last spring, I don’t think anyone of us have ever gone there before.

It is located on the cliff just west of the old Fair Oaks bridge that is no longer passable except for pedestrian or bicycle traffic. This place is quite popular among cyclists and runners. Parking is ample at most times of the year even during spring and summer weekends. Aside from the bucolic, relaxing and peaceful atmosphere and terrific and awesome views of the American River and the Sacramento Valley, one is able to experience nature at its best. Clearly, this 140-foot cliff is another example of the fruits of the multifarious environmental programs of Sacramento and vicinity towns and cities.

This is a very small park

With my County of Sacramento officemate and photo buddy, Engr. James Wright

Clean surroundings. Fresh, renewing air devoid of any type of pollution. Sparkling, unpolluted, and crystal clear waters of the American River down below, where every autumn, the Chinook salmon would come all the way from Alaska to spawn. At this time, hungry ducks and gulls flock over the river to have their fill. At any time of the year though, one can behold different varieties of birds in this small park, which is only about a quarter of a mile long and tenth of a mile wide.

In the brief three hours that I was there, I saw of the following: a Great Blue Heron perched on top of an oak tree, a Great Egret that is now found in several places of Northern California, mallards swimming on the river, Canadian geese playing on the bridge, red-winged blackbirds, mourning doves, killdeers, red-shouldered hawk, a Swainson’s hawk (an endangered specie), a turkey vulture (yes, an ugly vulture!), an American crow, Western scrub jay, an osprey, some wild chickens, American robins, house sparrows, and California gulls.
 

American Robin

Baby House Sparrow

Canadian Goose

Great Egret

Hawk

Kildeer

Mallards

Osprey

Wild Chicken

Great Blue Heron

Turkey Vulture

American Crow

Mourning Dove

Red Winged Blackbird

Western Scrub Jay

While there, one will not miss the mysterious sight of what I call as a cliffhanger tree because at least half of its root structure is hanging in the air. It is quite spectacle how this old oak tree has weathered the vicissitudes of nature, plus the fact that the cliff’s edge has slowly eroded over time. Many photographers – professionals and amateurs alike – have taken pictures of this cliffhanger tree at different times of the day, in different seasons of the year and at distinctive angles.

The Cliffhanger Tree

Another popular photographic subject is The Fair Oaks bridge itself. Photographers have taken pictures either from up on the cliff or down below on the rivers edge, or even downriver from another bridge. In my case, I enjoyed shooting from the bridge itself – views of the American River, the Fair Oaks bluffs, and people either biking or hiking. According to www.smud.org this bridge was also a centerpiece in movie starring Peter O'Toole and Barbara Hershey made in the late 70's called "The Stunt Man".

A word of caution: Do not allow your children to walk too close to the edge of the cliff. There are no artificial or natural barriers that will prevent anyone from falling. And because of this danger, the sign “No Alcohol Allowed” is likewise very appropriate.

Bridge entrance

View from the cliff

View from the cliff

View of the bridge

View of the bridge in spring
 

View of the East

View overlooking the bridge

This small park is another example of an effective community program to save the environment. Way back in 1999, some residents of Sacramento formed what they called as “Citizens To Save The Bluff”, calling this place as “The Crown Jewel of the American River.” This association continues to receive donations not only to maintain the park but to keep improving it as well. The vision is to provide one of the best resting places for visitors paved with engraved bricks with the names of donors in them.

The Bluff vegetation includes California prairie and a dense blue and interior live oak forest, with a center so peaceful and natural that the surrounding suburban sprawl of eastern Sacramento County can almost be forgotten. Wildlife and wildflowers abound in this scenic spot. Situated near the bike trail and the historic footbridge in Old Fair Oaks Village, the land is currently inhabited by deer, coyotes, wild turkeys, feral chickens, raccoons, hawks, and opossums. A small seasonal wetland stream winds among majestic heritage oaks and other native plants and trees. (source: www.savethebluffs.org)

 

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